Observations on Heat Generated in Single Point Incremental Forming

The forming tool in single point incremental forming (SPIF) follows a path prescribed by CAM software. As the tool follows this path, thereby deforming the sheet, both friction and deformation occur generating heat. The effect of increasing feed rates and tool rotation speed on resulting temperatures has been studied for AA 5754-H32. A flat tool was used to form a variable wall angle geometry and the temperatures were recorded using an infrared camera. The infrared camera was able to give a temperature gradient at the tool-sheet interface. It was found that along with geometry, lubricant and rig design also have an impact on the net heat within the system. In addition, beyond a certain limit, the high relative velocity can cause wear at the tool-sheet metal interface. The observations on temperature distribution are new and novel.